#PLStories- Losing starting spot was ‘not easy’ for #KyleWalkerPeters says #RalphHasenhuttl #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted the standout displays of new right-back Tino Livramento "had an effect" on usurped Kyle Walker-Peters, but praised the "very professional" reaction of the former Spurs man. Walker-Peters was one of Saints' most consistent performers last season, making him one of the first names on the teamsheet. Aside from a spell out injured at the start of 2021, Walker-Peters started almost every game, racking up 35 appearances across all competitions following his permanent £12million switch from Tottenham. The Edmonton-born ace played 2,648 minutes of Premier League action, the sixth most in the Saints squad. However, he was a surprise omission when the starting XI was revealed for the opening day of this season, with Walker-Peters listed as a substitute and teenager Livramento, a summer arrival from Chelsea, selected in his place. It was the first time the 18-year-old had played a game of senior football having previously been restricted to academy appearances. Having held off the challenge of Yan Valery during the first half of 2020-21, Walker-Peters had a clear run at right-back when the Frenchman was loaned out to Birmingham City in February. But he now finds himself locked in a battle for his spot, particularly after Livramento was named man-of-the-match for his standout display against Manchester United on Sunday. After an 11-minute cameo in Sunday's draw, Walker-Peters impressed when returning to the starting side against League Two Newport County in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. He scored his first competitive goal for Saints in the 8-0 thrashing of the south Wales side. Asked how Walker-Peters reacted to losing his position to Livramento for the opening Premier League games of the season, boss Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "Very professional. Not easy in the beginning. You could feel it had an effect a little bit, especially because Tino was praised for his good performance. "But the reaction he has shown on the training pitch and in the game now was exactly how it should be always. "Not looking back, looking forward. Showing up, grabbing the chance you get to play and then do the best you can. "This is what you need to do and what you have signed the deal for – do the best for the club in every position the manager puts you in. "This is what I expect." With Livramento given the night off against Newport and fellow new recruit Romain Perraud on the bench, Valery stepped in at right-back at Rodney Parade, with Walker-Peters filling in on the left. Asked if he sees Walker-Peters as a left-back option he could look to utilise more often this season, Hasenhuttl said: "I think he has shown that with his qualities he is also an option on the left side. "I was very, very positive about his performance (at Newport) and yes, this is what I expected. "That is the reason why I think on these positions we have at the moment a luxury problem if you want. "But I like these problems more than the others to be honest!" Walker-Peters is expected to be involved in the matchday squad for Saturday's long trip to Newcastle United (3pm).